Brontotherium

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Brontotherium ('thunder beast') is an extinct genus of mammal.

The 2,50 m (8 ft 4 in) tall creature resembled a rhinoceros, possessing a forked (in a Y shape), horn-like protrusion on its nose, with blunt ends. Many Brontotherium remains have been found in South Dakota and Nebraska. In the past, specimens exposed by severe rainstorms were found by Native Americans of the Sioux tribe. The Sioux believed these creatures produced thunderstorms when running over the clouds, and called them 'thunder horses'. Many of the skeletons found by the Sioux belonged to herds which were killed by volcanic eruptions of the Rocky Mountains, which were vulcanically active at the time.

Brontotherium's dorsal vertebrae above the shoulders had extra long spines to support the huge neck muscles needed to carry the heavy skull. Possibly, Brontotherium had fleshy lips and a longe tongue, perfect for plucking food.

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